Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Naperville, Illinois |
| Online | northcentralcollege.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Religious Affiliation | United Methodist |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
North Central College occupies a 65-acre campus in downtown Naperville, Illinois, a western suburb located 30 miles from Chicago. Founded in 1861 as Plainfield College, the institution relocated to Naperville in 1870 and features a mix of historic and modern buildings in a suburban setting. The liberal arts college maintains strong academic programs in business, education, and sciences, with particular recognition for its undergraduate research opportunities in natural sciences. North Central's academic facilities include a performing arts center and a science center equipped with advanced laboratory spaces, while residential students are housed in both traditional residence halls and apartment-style accommodations across campus. The college competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Cardinals, with its track and field program having earned multiple national championships.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
North Central College is rated within the top 38% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for North Central College within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#340 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#248 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#15 in Best Colleges in Illinois
#13 in Best Private Colleges in Illinois
#228 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#17 in Best Value Colleges in Illinois
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1020/1240 |
| ACT | 22/28 |
| GPA | 3.6 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Apr 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $180 |
| Room and Board | $11,998 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,722 |
| Total One Year Cost | $57,966 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 28% |
| Education | 13% |
| Social Sciences | 12% |
| Communication | 7% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering North Central College are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=147660 IPEDS survey data for North Central College.
Current students may use the North Central College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024